Fraud and error in the benefit system is falling as the UK Government restated its determination to drive levels down further and protect taxpayers’ money, according to new official figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The latest national statistics confirm that in the last year fraud and error rates in 2023 fell to 3.6% (£8.3 billion) from 4.0% (£8.7 billion), with Universal Credit losses falling from 14.7% (£5,920 million) to 12.8% (£5,540 million). The figures also reveal reduced rates of fraud, both overall and within Universal Credit.
More than 20 million people across Great Britain are claiming State Pension or benefits from the DWP to help with the additional costs of day-to-day living. But the UK Government has been clear that it will crack down on those exploiting the benefits system as they are stealing from those who most need help.
